If you go
› What: “Picnic”› Where: Mars Theatre, 117 N. Chattanooga St., LaFayette, Georgia› When: 8 p.m. Aug. 3-4 and 11; 2:30 p.m. Aug. 5 and 11-12› Admission: $16, $13 for senior adults, $12 students› For more information: www.BAPshows.com
Jackie Ellis, left, plays Madge Owens and Zoe Kokotek plays her sister, Millie Owens, in "Picnic." (Photo: Emily Miller)William Inge's coming-of-age classic "Picnic" will open Friday, Aug. 3, for six performances by Back Alley Productions in the historic Mars Theatre in LaFayette, Ga.
The intimacy of small-town life and its stifling limitations are at the forefront of "Picnic." The 1953 Pulitzer Prize-winning play is the study of one eventful Labor Day in Eisenhower-era Kansas. Anyone from a small town will recognize someone in the cast of characters.
The story ignites when the charming and seductive drifter, Hal (played by Jared Kane), stumbles into town by way of old college friend Alan (Alex Clay). Alan greets Hal warmly - as do the women of the town. However, their cordialness ends quickly when Hal takes a strong interest in Alan's beautiful, but naive, girlfriend Madge (Jackie Ellis).
"This is going to be a very special show," says director Madison Smith. "It holds a special place in the hearts of many theatergoers, including myself.
"Inge brings a common experience: that first rush of naive love, the moment you decide to break away from your parents' ideals, the pain of being judged first and foremost on outward physical beauty. It's a very universal experience."
As Hal enters the Labor Day festivities, his obvious differences from the town's people become evident. While the women of the town particularly take notice of him, Hal is only interested in Madge, despite her prior commitment to Alan. Thus the seeds of conflict begin to grow. As the town's matriarchs look on, Hal's presence brings down facades and old agendas.
"The message of this story is important and relevant to today," Smith adds. "It's about finding yourself in the backdrop of that very confusing and often painful time of going from girl to a woman - where your ideas of love are shattered and rebuilt, and your identity has to either shrink or grow - set against the backdrop of 1950s America."
Smith advises that this show has adult themes and may not be appropriate for ages 13 and younger.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.BAPshows.com or at the box office 30 minutes before performances on the day of show.
For more information: 706-621-2870.